Sympathy for the Devils (28/35)

Sympathy for the Devils (28/35)

Hyenas are the most important hunters in the Serengeti, yet their reputation is that of cowardly, crafty scavengers. Living in groups, they really take care of one another, the females often risking their lives for the young in hunting expeditions lasting several days. Yet they are regarded as the devils of the savannah. In the Serengeti their life is determined by the wanderings of the great gnu herds. No matter where the territory of the hyena clan is located: only for three months a year, when the herds are in the vicinity, do they live of "the fat of the land". For the rest of the year the hunters roam through strange territory, pouncing on gnus or gazelles or seizing what has been left by lions or other hyenas. Two research scientists from the Max-Planck-Institut have been following various hyena clans through the Serengeti for years. They became familiar with the strict hierarchy of the females, observed the animals in their struggle for survival and in death. Anyone who knows so much about the hyenas of the Serengeti soon forgets the prejudices and feels sympathy for these "devils".